AFL: Securing the future United Nurses of for a century NewsBulletin Page 3

Bargaining 2013 Page 5 Annual Survey: are nurses working for free? Page 14

Cover Photo: Dan Riedlhuber www.danthephotoman.com

July 2012 Volume 36, Number 3 Message From the President Published by the United Nurses of Alberta five times a year for our members Editor Production National Expert Commission: David Climenhaga Kelly de Jong Leave no Canadian behind Executive Board President Heather Smith finished this article for this News- This summer edition of the NewsBulle- H: 780-437-2477 • W: 780-425-1025 Bulletin while I was attending the tin comes at a historic moment for union 1st Vice-President Bev Dick Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) members in Alberta, including members H: 780-430-7093 • W: 780-425-1025 biennial convention in Vancouver. This of the United Nurses of Alberta. In June, 2nd Vice-President I Jane Sustrik was a significant convention for me the Alberta Federation of Labour cel- C: 780-915-8367 • W: 780-425-1025 because, now that our report has been ebrated its 100th birthday. Secretary/Treasurer formerly presented to CNA, it is also the Karen Craik Today, after a century of struggle, the H: 403-720-6690 • W: 780-425-1025 conclusion of my participation with the or 403-237-2377 AFL remains an important defender of National Expert Commission (NEC). North District the rights of all working people in Al- Roxann Dreger Susan Gallivan The message from the commissioners berta and a vital advocate for social equal- North Central Terri Barr Christina Doktor ends with these words: “This report dis- ity. United Nurses of Alberta has been a Nicole Bownes Karen Kuprys tills what we have learned into practical, proud member since 2001. Teresa Caldwell Keith Lang evidence-based recommendations about Jennifer Castro On June 11, I had the opportunity to at- how nurses – working collectively and Central tend a ceremony at Edmonton City Hall Dianne McInroy Wanda Zimmerman collaboratively – can take action to trans- where Mayor Stephen Mandel proclaimed Sandra Zak form the way we deliver health services in South Central “Alberta Federation of Labour Centennial to ensure the ongoing health and Alicia Braden JoAnne Rhodes Celebration Week”. We can all be very Marie Corns Daphne Wallace wellness of all Canadians.” Denise Palmer Cameron Westhead proud of the work done on our behalf by South I encourage you to go to the CNA the AFL. Maxine Braun John Terry website to review the report, which has However, as AFL President Gil Mc- a multitude of multimedia tabs you can Directors Gowan told the June 11 ceremony, the activate for further information and re- Labour Relations work of the union movement is not search. There is also a story on the report David Harrigan finished and workers and their unions on page 6 of this magazine. Finance and continue to face attacks across Canada Administrative Services Darlene Rathgeber The theme of the report is the changes and throughout North America. needed to ensure “no citizen or vulnerable Information Systems Elsewhere in this edition of NewsBul- Florence Ross individual is left behind.” Its recommenda- letin, you can read of the latest develop- tions include a call for real primary health Provincial Office ments in Wisconsin, where the Repub- care, plus expanding our public medicare 700-11150 Jasper Avenue NW lican governor has led a concerted attack Edmonton AB T5K 0C7 care umbrella to cover comprehensive PH: 780-425-1025 on the rights of public service unions. We palliative care, home care, pharmacare and Toll Free: 1-800-252-9394 should all be deeply concerned about the FX: 780-426-2093 address the determinants of health. spread of these kinds of ideas. Southern Alberta A core conclusion of the Commission, Regional Office But this summer we also feel optimism a foundation of all its other recommenda- 300-1422 Kensington Road NW and pride in the accomplishments we are tions, was the understanding that effective AB T2N 3P9 celebrating, and the future accomplish- PH: 403-237-2377 national health programs are about more Toll Free: 1-800-661-1802 ments we will achieve through the power than just health care. To improve overall FX: 403-263-2908 of our unity and determination. Web Site: www.una.ab.ca health, and reduce the cost of treatment, E-mail: [email protected] we have to as a country also address the In solidarity, PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40064422 things that lead to good health. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: UNITED NURSES OF ALBERTA 700-11150 JASPER AVENUE NW Heather Smith, President, UNA EDMONTON AB T5K OC7

United Nurses of Alberta 2 NewsBulletin Celebration AFL’s ‘Party of the Century’

ore than 3,000 Alberta trade unionists – including dozens from the United Nurses of Alberta – got together at Fort Ed- monton Park Saturday, June 16, to celebrate the Alberta MFederation of Labour’s 100th year with “the party of the century.” There was a parade, of course, performances by such well-known musicians as Maria Dunn, Terry Morrison, Lionel Rault and Souljah Fyah, activities for kids like face painting, pony races, sack races and crafts, plus a great dinner and the traditional beer tent for the grownups.

A short convention of the AFL Saturday afternoon conveyed a sense that while labour has accomplished a lot in 100 years, there is a lot more to do. continued on page 4

President Heather Smith and Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel.

The parade at Fort Edmonton Park

July 2012 Volume 36, Number 3 3 Celebration continued from Page 3

“The trade union movement is a foundation of democracy and you prove it!” – Reg Baskin, Former AFL President

Scenes from the celebration, including UNA President Heather Smith speaking (at right), Executive Board Member Denise “You in this room can take credit for creating the middle class,” Palmer and First VP Bev Dick (above), and the Notre Dame de Bananes choir and former AFL presidents (below). participants were told Saturday afternoon by Reg Baskin, who was president of the AFL from 1973 to 1977. “The trade union movement is a foundation of democracy and you prove it!” But as Baskin warned the night before at a celebratory dinner and evening of storytelling for current and former members of the AFL Council, “You’d better protect it!” Gil McGowan, current president of the AFL said, “the struggle continues as we see moves to drive down wages under the federal government’s Temporary Foreign Worker program, to restrict Employment Insurance payments to laid-off workers and to keep people in the workplace until the age of 67 under proposed changes to Old Age Security rules.” In all, seven former AFL presidents attended the centennial festivities, bringing messages of hope and solidarity. “This was a great party, but a serious occasion too,” said UNA President Heather Smith. “Alberta’s union members should be very proud of what they’ve accomplished, but we understand that our work is never really done and we face serious challenges in the years ahead.”

United Nurses of Alberta 4 NewsBulletin Negotiations 2013

13 NEGS20 Locals choose delegates in preparation for November’s Demand-Setting Meeting

nited Nurses of Alberta’s prov- This lengthy process ensures propos- The Demand-Setting meeting ince-wide Demand-Setting als taken to the bargaining table have the Meeting will take place Nov. 27- democratic support of UNA’s membership. is one of the key moments 29 in Edmonton, soon after our union’s U About 700 UNA members – elected in the 2013 round of Annual General Meeting. voting delegates of each of the union’s At District Meetings across the prov- Locals that are involved in provincial bar- bargaining between UNA ince, UNA members have now completed gaining – are expected at the meeting in and the process of electing representatives to Edmonton. There will be about 800 del- the provincial bargaining committee. egates at the AGM, which is scheduled to take place a month earlier on Oct. 23-25. Two members from each district will join the UNA Provincial Negotiating UNA considers collective bargaining committee. as one of its key jobs and is proud of its successes at the bargaining table over the A complete list of the UNA Provincial years – greatly improving wages, benefits Negotiating Committee representatives is and workplace conditions for all members. on the back cover of this edition of News- Bulletin. In 2013 as in all previous years, our policy is that members set the bargaining As for the Demand-Setting Meeting, priorities and get to ratify the results of the it will be one of the key moments in the negotiations that follow. 2013 round of provincial negotiations. It’s where members’ bargaining proposals that No UNA agreement takes effect before have been submitted by UNA’s Locals the members whose working lives it affects – which have then been reviewed and have the opportunity to vote on it in a considered by the Negotiating Commit- democratic vote. tee between Sept. 24 and 28 – are put to UNA’s Provincial Agreement must be the membership’s elected delegates. approved by a majority vote of both eli- A general membership vote to ratify gible individual members and Locals. the proposal package put forward by the The current agreement was ratified in Demand-Setting Meeting will occur in 2010 and expires on March 31, 2013. January 2013. If the package is ratified, formal negotiations with the employer will likely commence in February 2013.

July 2012 Volume 36, Number 3 5 Future of Nursing

!!!!"!#$%&'#(! ‘Call to Action’ !!!!!!!!)*++!,-!*),'-# says nurses can provide better care at lower cost

The health of our nation, the future of our health system

fundamental shift is needed in the “Community based care that uses teams way Canada’s health care system of health professionals, drawing on the is funded, managed and delivered skills and experiences of nurses, is a A– one that will include an expanded role model Canada can use to create a more for nurses that will result in better care sustainable health care system for the for patients and significant cost savings. future,” Heather Smith said. “Registered Nurses are a That was the conclusion of the much- And Dr. Smadu said the commissioners powerful force for change, awaited report of the independent agreed Canada needs “to address many of National Expert Commission of the the non-health system factors like poverty, and they can lead health Canadian Nurses Association. The 50- food insecurity and lack of access to page report, A Nursing Call to Action, clean water and housing that persist and care transformation,” was released June 18 during the biennial diminish the health of our nation.” - Maureen McTeer, National CNA national convention in Vancouver. Expert Commission Chair Instead of the physician-led health The goal of the commissioners was care system of the past, the report urged “to invigorate individual nurses and the a “nurse-led, proactive, targeted model of nursing community … (to) focus on the comprehensive chronic care with a physi- goals of better health, better care and cian as a member of the team.” better value for Canadians,” said Com- The report cited many examples of mission Co-Chair Maureen McTeer, a effective nurse-led programs, including well-known health and equality lawyer, a chronic disease management clinic and author. in Calgary where nurses in leadership Her Co-Chair was Regina nursing roles reduced by a quarter the number of expert Dr. Marlene Smadu, and the required admissions and by half commission’s 16 members included UNA the time patients had to stay in hospital. President Heather Smith. The report also said research shows “Registered Nurses are a powerful force links between higher nurse staffing levels for change, and they can lead health care and “reduced hospital-related mortality, transformation,” McTeer said on June 18. hospital-acquired pneumonia, unplanned extubation, failure to rescue, bloodstream The Nursing Call to Action put for- infections acquired in the hospital, and ward a nine-point plan that calls for a length of stay.” more patient- and family-centred health care system with a strong focus on health To find a full copy of the report, promotion and prevention in Canadians’ Google “Canadian Nurses Association” homes and communities. and visit the organization’s website.

United Nurses of Alberta 6 NewsBulletin Solidarity

President Heather Smith and other UNA backs AUPE strikers UNA Members with AUPE President Guy Smith on the picket line at the at Edmonton nursing homes Hardisty Care Centre in Edmonton

nited Nurses of Alberta has “These are important labour disputes “These are important labour thrown its support behind mem- because all unions need to resist the ef- bers of the Alberta Union of forts by private, for-profit employers to disputes because all unions Provincial Employees who are on strike at pay their workers significantly less than U need to resist the efforts by two Edmonton-area nursing homes. the fair rates paid in other collective agreements,” UNA President Heather More than 100 Licensed Practical private, for-profit employers Smith commented. Nurses, Health Care Aides and other to pay their workers health care staff walked off the job May She noted that the nursing home 19 at the Hardisty Care Centre, a private, employers are subsidized by Alberta significantly less than the for-profit facility run by a B.C. company. Health Services so that they can pay their employees appropriate salaries. fair rates paid in other The UNA Executive Board voted at its May meeting to donate $5,000 to the Smith said: “Allowing these employers collective agreements.” strikers, and UNA members joined the to pay their employees significantly less – Heather Smith, UNA President AUPE strikers on their picket line at the so they can profit off the public subsidies Edmonton long-term care facility on hurts everyone – patients, their fami- May 31. lies and health care workers at all kinds of worksites.” On June 5, the Hardisty employees were joined by about 80 more AUPE members UNA members who are required to at the Revera Riverbend Retirement Resi- continue working in the facilities have dence, another for-profit facility. been advised not to do AUPE members’ work and to take their breaks away from In both cases, AUPE says, its members the facilities. are paid much below the industry standard – in some cases as much as 30 per cent.

July 2012 Volume 36, Number 3 7 Solidarity There is much to learn from Wisconsin recall defeat: Smith

“We need to act consistently nion supporters and worker rights activists in Canada and the United States have important lessons to learn from the failure by a coalition of progressive on behalf of all working groups in the state of Wisconsin to unseat Republican Gov. Scott Walker in people, not just those of Ua June 5 recall election. Opponents of Walker’s radical attack on union organizing rights had succeeded in us lucky enough to hold forcing a new election for governor under the state’s recall law. More than 900,000 a union card.” signatures were collected on recall petitions, far more than the required 25 per cent of - Heather Smith, UNA President the state’s eligible voters.

Still, outspent by more than eight to all working people, not just those of us one by the governor’s corporate backers, lucky enough to hold a union card.” who poured more than $50-million US in “We need to be about more than just to their fight against the recall campaign, contracts and collective bargaining, but progressive Wisconsinites could not push also do a better job fighting for such pub- Walker’s Democratic Party opponent over lic benefits as fair pensions for all, public the top. They did push out one Republican Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary- health and seniors care,” she said. Treasurer of the Wisconsin State state senator, giving the Democrats a thin AFL-CIO, at the 2011 Parkland majority in the state’s upper house at least “This means we need to go beyond just Institute Fall Conference. until the November general election. simple electoral politics, and to put our efforts into a broader and more consistent “We feel great sympathy for the pro- defence of public services,” she added. gressive activists in Wisconsin who worked so hard for a positive result in the The Wisconsin activists recognize this recall vote,” said UNA President Heather need, Smith noted. Stephanie Blooming- Smith. “We will continue to support them dale, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Wis- as they fight on, because we know that all consin branch of the American Federa- union members, their families and work- tion of Labour who addressed UNA’s last ing people generally face a powerful attack Annual General Meeting, said in a letter from corporations and wealthy individuals signed with the group’s president, Phil who benefit when working people cannot Neuenfeldt, that “going forward we are bargain effectively.” going to continue to advance an agenda for the 99 per cent.” At the same time, she said, unions in both countries need to broaden their The June 5 recall election “will be a message to ensure that they are advocat- springboard for a national discussion on ing for all working people, and not just Citizens United and the corporate take- dues-paying union members. over of American democracy,” they said. “We will not succeed if we act only as The June 2 vote in Wisconsin was only autonomous local unions,” Smith said. the third recall election of a governor in “We need to act consistently on behalf of U.S. history.

United Nurses of Alberta 8 NewsBulletin The Profession UNA marks Nursing Week with ad campaign and local celebrations

hile union members through- bers work carrying the message to the out Alberta marked National public that Alberta’s nurses are “at your Nursing Week with low-key side, on your side.” celebrations, UNA used the occasion to take W In addition, the 10-week campaign a message about the important work done included radio advertisements, ad place- by nurses to the people of the province. ments in more than 100 community A UNA advertising campaign that newspapers throughout Alberta and on- started just before nursing week, which line ads on news websites where Alberta this year ran from May 7 to 13, included decision makers are likely to be reading. billboards and other outdoor advertising In all, the campaign delivered more venues near facilities where UNA mem- than 22 million “impressions” – advertis- ing industry jargon for the number of times the audience has an opportunity to Notice of view the message. “The goal of our advertising campaign New Grad was to remind Albertans that by working to improve access and extend delivery of Survey public-sector health services, this prov- ince’s nurses are at their side and on their ursing graduates hired in Al- side,” said UNA President Heather Smith. berta between April 1, 2010, UNA Locals also organized such events and March 31, 2012, may as Local 33’s Cupcake Day at the Royal be contacted to participate in a survey N Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, at about their experience in the workplace. which members wore traditional nursing The survey is being supported joint- caps, and Edmonton Zone Community ly by UNA, Alberta Health Services, Local 196’s community health banquet. Covenant Health, the Department of In Wainwright, Local 38 members Health, and the College and Associa- held a dinner for more than 50 current tion of Registered Nurses of Alberta and retired nurses, with talented fiddle (CARNA). RNs chosen to partici- players from among the membership and pate in the survey will be notified by a motivational speaker who challenged CARNA in August 2012. members to turn off their cell phones one Only Registered Nurses will be day a week and actually talk to people. contacted. Future surveys may expand The dinner was organized this year by the to include Registered Psychiatric hospital’s ER staff. Nurses.

July 2012 Volume 36, Number 3 9 Keeping Healthy at Work Alberta workers have two years – yes, two years – to report a workplace injury

By Dewey Funk UNA OH&S Officer omething always amazes me when In other words, as an employee you I ask members how long they think have up to two years to report a work- they have to make a Workers Com- place injury. Yes, two years! pensation Claim. The common answer is S The employer has 72 hours to report 72 hours. the workplace injury after they become I have brought this up with employers aware of the injury. and they know the correct answer, but Doctors have 48 hours to report the their official answer is typically that they workplace injury after they have seen the want their employees to report the injury injured worker. right away. Why is this so critical for you to know? Here’s the correct answer from the Workers Compensation Act: Well, ask yourself what happens if you are off work for three days when you Time limit for claims realize you can’t get out of bed because 26 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Board of that back strain caused from helping shall not pay compensation a patient? (a) to a worker unless the worker You still have the ability to file a WCB reports the accident to the Board claim. It’s not to late to file the claim. You within 24 months after the date don’t have to go on sick leave or take a of the accident or the date on personnel day off. which the worker becomes aware You want the injury filed, as then the of the accident, or injury is life attached not incident at- (b) to a dependant unless the depen- tached. What happens if you need further dant reports the accident to the medical attention in the future, two or Board within 24 months after the three years down the road? Should the date of the death of the worker. treatment you need be medically at- (2) If a worker or dependant does not tributed to the original claim, WCB will report an accident within the time reopen the claim. prescribed by subsection (1), the As a union, when we go the bargaining Board may nevertheless pay compen- table we constantly hear how employ- sation if it is satisfied that there are ers cannot give more benefits because reasonable and justifiable grounds of the costs. When workers don’t report for the accident’s not being reported workplace injuries or illnesses to the ap- within the prescribed time or that the propriate provider – for example, WCB claim is a just claim and should be – then these costs/premiums are attrib- allowed despite the failure to report uted back to sick leave unfairly and the within the prescribed time. worker is then subsidizing the employer’s WCB costs. Work Healthy, Play Safe!

United Nurses of Alberta 10 NewsBulletin Prairie Labour School Nurses should lead from the front CFNU president tells Prairie Labour School

urses across Canada need to With about 70 participants from take a page from UNA’s book of the United Nurses of Alberta, ideas and “go beyond acute care,” 50 from the Manitoba Nurses Nthe president of the Canadian Federation Union and 40 from the Sas- of Nurses Unions told participants in the katchewan Union of Nurses, CFNU’s Prairie Labour School, June 3-5 the school’s UNA organizers in Canmore. took care to ensure a good mix from all unions in each of the As UNA did with its Beyond Acute M three classes offered in 2012.

l

Care conference in Edmonton last o o o h February, Silas told the approximately Balancing Professional v c S

i r u 160 nurses from across the Prairies that Responsibilities and Union n o b g a L attended the school, nurses need to “lead Opportunities – taught by ie Fo d air from the front” and be prepared to talk Education Officer Deb Stuart and rwar Pr CFNU about issues that go beyond health care Labour Relations Officer Leona Barrett 2012 technicalities. from the Manitoba Nurses Union. This These three seminars, course explained how being a nurse and a For example, she said, “Let’s be real! union activist is not incompatible. Taxes pay for democracy. Taxes pay for which were each attended our communities. So we have to talk Nurse-to-Patient Ratios – taught by for a half day by all about it. … How as leaders will you make union organizer Lisa Kremmer of the sure no one is left behind?” New South Wales Nurses Association in participants in the school, Australia and SUN Executive Director The two-day biennial school aims to as- Donna Trainor. This course discussed will help make nurses sist members of the three Prairie nursing ways nurses can work to improve patient unions to face the challenges confronted safety and quality of care. better advocates. by health care professionals in their work- places and help them create solutions for Life After the Labour Movement: Linda Silas, CFNU President the future that will build on the rights Are Unions Still Relevant? – taught by nurses have already won through collec- long-time union activist Winston Gere- tive action and solidarity. luk of the Alberta Labour History Institute. This course explored “Our right as nurses to advocate for the rights workers have won better patient care through our collective through their unions and the agreements is more important than ever,” threats workers face today said UNA Second Vice-President Jane and in the future. Sustrik, who played a key role in organiz- ing the conference. “These three seminars, The three Prairie CFNU which were each attended for a half day member unions rotate by all participants in the school, will help responsibility for the bien- make nurses better advocates.” nial school.

July 2012 Volume 36, Number 3 11 Workplace Issues

AHS agreement with n June 2011, Alberta Health Services issued letters addressing the “Transi- UNA clarifies employee tion of Existing Multiple-Position Employees within the UNA Bargaining requirements with regard to UnitI - Multiple Casual Employment Relationships.” Although the letters correctly advised that the Multi-Employer/UNA Collec- overtime tive Agreements did not permit employ- ees to hold more than one employment relationship with AHS, UNA grieved the employer’s statement that employees were “required to advise [their] manager/ Exercise bikes have potential supervisor prior to accepting any shifts that will result in an overtime payment.” for more than personal power

hy not harness human energy to power a fit- The responsibility will be on the ness gym? employer to determine, from the In 2008, a private gym in Portland, Ore., began us- Wing energy produced by its clients to help power the facility. employee or otherwise, whether an It worked. The Green Microgym is still in business, using small electricity generators attached to exercise machines, plus more offered shift will attract a premium traditional efficiency measures such as low-power lighting, fans, TVs, equipment motors, and solar panels on the roof. Employees or overtime pay. also remember to switch off lights when a room’s not in use. At the time, gym was believed to be the first in the world to integrate such equipment and eco-philosophy into its busi- UNA met with the employer and the ness model. parties agreed the Collective Agreement By 2010, founder Adam Boesel boasted the ap- clearly states: “The responsibility will proach was generating 36 per cent of the facil- be on the employer to determine, from ity’s electricity through human and solar power, the employee or otherwise, whether an saving 37,000 kilowatt hours compared to the offered shift will attract a premium or expected output of a traditional gym. overtime pay.” AHS and UNA agree that the em- ployer may ask whether a shift will attract green a premium or overtime and the employee should answer whether to the best of corner their knowledge they are entitled to a premium or overtime. However, it is also agreed that the Green Corner is brought to you by UNA’s Education, Communication employee will not be held accountable and OH&S Committee. if they respond in good faith but incor- rectly assess their entitlement.

United Nurses of Alberta 12 NewsBulletin Charity United Way shows the way Did you know? … from poverty to prosperity By Holly Heffernan

rom Poverty to Possibility is the second of three pillars United Ways across Canada are focusing on for community investment strategies. About 140,000 Calgarians live in poverty. Once in the cycle of poverty, it is Fextremely difficult to overcome without a strong network of supports. That’s why United Way’s community investment plan has many programs, collaborations and initiatives working together toward a solution.

Did you know that as of 2011, there were more than 38,000 renter households in need For more information, visit: of affordable housing in Calgary? United Way is committed to ensuring access to imme- calgaryunitedway.org diate supports for families and individuals in need. Our programs help those in poverty (Calgary) to stabilize, avoid or move out of that cycle of poverty by providing basic needs, help to myunitedway.ca (Capital Region) secure affordable housing, financial literacy skills and vocational training. caunitedway.ca (Central Alberta) In 2011, United Way of Calgary and ƒƒ A hot soup program in high-risk Area invested $4.6 million into Shelter elementary schools and lunches for lethbridgeunitedway.ca and Supports, Financial Literacy and the working homeless (Southwestern Alberta) Training, and Employment Skills and utdway.ca United Way also collaborates with Training. This generated estimated sav- (Medicine Hat) agencies, donors and other partners to ings to society of $29.3 million. For every have greater impact in the community. gpunitedway.org dollar United Way invests in these areas, (Grande Prairie) we are saving society $6! For example, working with the Ed- fmunitedway.com monton Public Library, free tax clinics Did you know that 23,165 households (Fort McMurray) are provided for low-income families in Calgary have been classified as living in To find other Alberta and and individuals. The ID Outreach Pro- extreme poverty and are spending more Canadian United Ways, gram helps low-income and other at-risk than 50 per cent of their income on shel- please visit groups attain proper government identi- unitedway.ca/get-involved/give/. ter? In Calgary, United Way has funded fication needed to open a bank account, programs and initiatives, to help people rent an apartment or other things most of move from Poverty to Possibility, such as: us take for granted. ƒƒ Family resource centres that provide A $10 donation to United Way pro- access to community resources for vides lunch for 17 working homeless low-income families, such as grocer- people or healthy lunches for a week ies or low-cost recreation activities for a child who would otherwise go to ƒƒ Free savings circle program where school hungry; $50 will provide a coun- low-income individuals and families selling session for a low-income family can “earn while they learn” about or diapers and formula for a young mom money management struggling to feed her infant; $365, just $1 per day, will provide rental space for ƒƒ Delivery of nutritious and affordable peer support meetings for 6 months or 10 meals to seniors, those recovering from pairs of running shoes for children and or illness and the disabled youth going back to school.

July 2012 Volume 36, Number 3 13 Membership Survey Nurses ‘donate’ tens of thousands of free hours each year: survey

lberta nurses continue to contribute tens of thousands of hours of work without compensation, according to estimates based on a new survey of 1,500 United Nurses of Alberta members. InA April 2012, UNA’s annual survey of more than 1,500 randomly selected nurses showed 43 per cent of respondents working regular positions said they had put in at least 15 minutes of extra work before or after their shift on every one of their five most recent shifts.

That alone translated into 700 hours of extra work over the five most recent shifts, said UNA Research Officer Judith Grossman, who oversaw the union’s report on the results of the survey, which was conducted over the telephone by Viewpoints Research Ltd.

Determining how much of that was unpaid is more complicated, Gross- man explained, and requires assumptions about how many nurses submitted claims for overtime. “But since members have also indicated they submit claims for this type of overtime 30 per cent of the time, we estimate that this adds up to a ‘donation’ of at least 8,000 hours of free work by all UNA members in the same short time period.”

How likely would you be to recommend nursing as a career? Eight out of 10 UNA members, both full time and part time, reported put- 50% ting in at least 15 minutes of extra work 41% 37% during at least one of their five previous 40% shifts, the survey results showed. 30% “In general, home care nurses were the most likely to put in extra time, but an 20% 14% average 82 per cent of all types of nurses 8% 10% surveyed indicated they worked at least 15 minutes extra time before and after shifts, 0% during at least one of their five previous Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely shifts,” Grossman said. “Nurses working in public health units were the least likely to Four out of five UNA members are very likely or somewhat likely to claim for overtime.” recommend nursing as a career to someone they know (78%).

United Nurses of Alberta 14 NewsBulletin Membership Survey

UNA President Heather Smith said the cent identified intimidation as a current 2012 statistics should be cause for concern, problem in their workplace. because other results show clearly that “UNA is determined to work with our overwork and burnout continue to be prob- employers to reduce bullying and in- lems for Alberta nurses, as in past years. timidation in our workplaces,” President “This adds up to tens of thousands of Smith said. “These survey results will hours of unpaid work throughout Alberta assist us in achieving that goal.” each year,” she said.

“The shortage of nurses and the heavy Most important issue facing workload continue to be rated by our mem- nursing today bers as the most important issues facing 44% 45% nursing today,” Smith added. “Our employ- ers need to know the true level of work 40% being done by our members in order to ad- 35% dress theses serious understaffing issues, and 30% the only way that will happen is if nurses 25% 21% claim the overtime they have worked.” 20% Nevertheless, Grossman said, while 15% 6% many nurses expressed concern about un- 10% derstaffing and overwork, the number of 5% members who would recommend nursing 0% as a career was very high – with 37 per Shortage Heavy workload Working conditions/ cent of respondents saying “very likely” of nurses stress and 41 per cent saying “somewhat likely,” for a total of 78 per cent indicating they As in past years, members identified the most two most important issues facing nursing today as a shortage of nurses and the heavy workload would recommend nursing as a career. “This is a strong indicator of satisfac- tion with the role of nurses and the What would most improve your importance of our profession, despite the satisfaction with work? pressures caused by management deci- 50% sions in our workplaces,” Smith said. 40% 35% For the first time, the annual survey asked nurses about their experience with 30% the Professional Responsibility Commit- 20% tee Process, Grossman said. 12% 9% 7% Just under half the respondents, 47 per 10% cent, said they had filled out a Profession- 0% al Responsibility form, while 52 per cent said they had never done so, she added. More nurses/ Better More time Better adequate managers/ to do communication Nurses were also asked to answer ques- nurse staffing better good work/ supervisors decreased tions about their experience of abuse at workload work. While two-thirds agreed physical Asked what one thing they believed would most improve their satisfaction with their work, 35 per cent of respondents said more nurses /adequate nurse abuse was not a problem in their work- staffing would make the greatest difference. Respondents also listed better site, 59 per cent cited bullying and 60 per managers, more time to do good work and better communications.

July 2012 Volume 36, Number 3 15 Payroll Problems Central Zone members warned to watch for e-People errors

Members who encounter ith Alberta Health Services’ e-People payroll system set to be rolled out July 23 in the Central Zone, UNA members are advised to watch their any of these problems are payroll information carefully for problems that have been common in requested to inform their Wother zones where the system has been introduced. UNA Labour Relations The broad range of problems experienced by UNA members to date includes:

Officer, even if they ƒƒ No pay cheque at all ƒƒ RRSP contributions discon- tinued (both employer and ƒƒ Being paid incorrect amounts also inform the AHS employee contributions) ƒƒ No payment for PD days Contact Centre. ƒƒ Incorrect seniority dates ƒƒ Being “migrated” to the ƒƒ Incorrect vacation accruals wrong position ƒƒ Incorrect shift premium payments ƒƒ Incorrect payment for new hires at the grad nurse rate ƒƒ Incorrect mileage payments ƒƒ Incorrect vehicle allowance ƒƒ Continued deductions of LAPP AHS now posting Edmonton contributions and health premiums for employees who have moved ER wait times on line from regular to casual status. In addition, members in other zones lberta Health Services is now posting wait times for Ed- have had to call the HR Contact Centre monton Emergency Rooms on line. in British Columbia to get a “ticket num- The estimated wait times for patients, updated every ber” so that Human resources can “esca- Atwo minutes, will give Capital Region residents the ability to late” its attempt to resolve their issue. The decide which ER to go to, AHS says. Contact Centre has continued to com- However, AHS continues to advise people that they should go to municate directly with employees once an the nearest ER or call 911 if they need immediate medical assistance. individual grievance is filed. (UNA filed a grievance for the employer’s failure to Edmonton is the second part of Alberta with the public service, recognize the union.) AHS said. The online wait-times website went online in Calgary last July. Members who encounter any of these problems are requested to inform their AHS says the public response has been positive. Over 10 months, UNA Labour Relations Officer, even if the Calgary page has had approximately 30,000 visits. The tool is they also inform the AHS Contact Centre. also available in a mobile app for iPhones and Android devices. In addition, note that car allowance and However, AHS warns, “wait times can change significantly and mileage reporting procedures may change immediately, without warning and therefore are not guaranteed.” under e-People.

United Nurses of Alberta 16 NewsBulletin Labour Relations UNA President recognized for her outstanding contribution to labour relations By Dave Cournoyer, UNA Communications Staff

abour relations experts from “We have raised the bar significantly CIRA is a national Canada, the United States, and higher in terms of expectations of nurses Australia gathered at the Cana- and employers,” said Smith. network that brings dian Industrial Relations Association L “Industrial relations is a collective un- together industrial relations (CIRA) Conference held May 29 to 31 dertaking with good people working with at the . you and for you with a shared goal of a specialists from both labour At the conference, UNA President respectful workplace that looks at preven- and management, as well Heather Smith was awarded the Gé- tion and proaction rather than reaction,” rard Dion award in recognition of her said Smith. as from government and outstanding contribution to the field of Speaking of the people who have af- industrial relations. Each year, the CIRA universities, to promote, fected her, Smith told the conference presents this award in honour of Gérard delegates “as a young Local president I discuss, research and educate Dion, a labour relations academic and had the great fortune of having a great founding member of the CIRA. mentor in the head of personnel for the in the field of work and Accepting the award, Smith described Edmonton General Hospital. His name industrial relations. the relationship between nurses and nurs- was Bob Gross.” ing employers as having moved “light- “As an employer, he taught me an in- years” since she became involved with credible set of standards and expectations the UNA. in terms of what a respectful relation- ship should be between an em- ployer and a worker represen- tative,” said Smith.

CIRA President Larry Haiven presents the award to Heather Smith

July 2012 Volume 36, Number 3 17 Labour Relations UNA honours Aboriginal members for their contributions

“Many UNA members he United Nurses of Alberta Kiyii Health Services of the Piikani First marked June 21, National Ab- Nation at Brocket,” she noted. original Day, by honouring the are of Aboriginal heritage The Canadian Nurses Association’s contributions of Aboriginal Canadians to and our union recognizes T National Expert Commission identified our union, our province and Canada. several urgent health needs within Ab- and honours the huge “Many UNA members are of Aborigi- original communities. “Our governments nal heritage and our union recognizes need to recommit our country to address- contribution First Nations, and honours the huge contribution First ing the health needs of our Aboriginal Nations, Métis and Inuit Canadians have people,” Smith said. Métis and Inuit Canadians made to our country’s culture and com- National Aboriginal Day was pro- munities,” said UNA President Heather have made to our country’s claimed by then Governor General Smith on National Aboriginal Day. Romeo Leblanc in 1996 and takes place culture and communities.” “We are particularly proud that our each year throughout Canada on June 21. -Heather Smith, UNA President union represents nurses employed by the It provides an opportunity for all Ca- Blood Tribe Department of Health in nadians to learn more about Aboriginal Stand Off, near Cardston, and by Aakom people and to show their respect for their contribution to Canada.

egotiations continue at vari- UNA to seek mediation ous stages between UNA and in bargaining with employers other than Alberta NHeath Services. Blood Tribe UNA Local 416 has filed for mediation in negotiations for a first collective agree- ment with the Blood Tribe Department of Health. Outstanding issues are hours of work, named holidays CARNA regis- tration, term of agreement and salaries Also new to UNA and negotiat- ing their first collective agreement are employees of the Aakom Kiyii Health Services at the Piikani First Nation, also members of Local 416. Meanwhile, bargaining has just com- menced between UNA Local 61 and the Victorian Order of Nurses in Edmonton. Negotiation teams are in mediation at Edmonton’s Chinatown Care Centre and Devonshire Care Centre, where members Che Scott, Karen Three Persons and Sandra Scout of UNA’s Blood Tribe Department of Health Bargaining Committee met in the lead-up to negotiations. are represented by UNA Local 417.

United Nurses of Alberta 18 NewsBulletin KnowRights your UNA Contract Report from Director your of Labour Relations David Harrigan Alberta Health Services agrees to consider internal job candidates without degrees

Inconsistent treatment by Alberta Health Ser- from supervisors was denied a position despite vices of nurses without bachelor’s degrees applying her seniority because she did not hold a bachelor’s for jobs in community health has been resolved degree. In that case as in the recent circumstances, through an agreement between AHS and the the requirement was not applied consistently to all United Nurses of Alberta that should allow nurses similar jobs by the same employer. without a degree but transferable skills to apply. The 1989 arbitration panel considered part of Ar- But UNA members who are in this position ticle 14.04 of the Provincial Collective Agreement, need to be aware of the agreement, and should be which remains unchanged in 2012, which reads: prepared to insist on their right to an interview if “In making promotions and transfers, the deter- they are told the absence of a degree means they mining factors shall be skill, knowledge, efficiency, can’t apply for a job they believe they are qualified experience and other relevant attributes, and to hold. where these factors are considered by the Employer Over the past several months, UNA members to be relatively equal, seniority shall be the decid- with diplomas have complained that human re- ing factor.” sources staff members in different AHS zones have Because the employer had failed to properly meet treated these kinds of applications differently. its full obligation under Article 14.04 to consider In some zones, nurses without degrees were told all four factors – skill, knowledge, efficiency, experience they could not apply. In others, nurses were allowed – the panel upheld UNA’s grievance. to apply if they showed they had transferable skills. In the more recent situation, the employer has This situation arose most often with applications agreed that all postings will state that a degree is for community health nursing positions. preferred but not that it is a requirement, and to Some postings indicated a degree was a required. consider transferable skills in determining which Others said a degree was preferred, but that trans- candidate will be successful. ferable skills would be considered. UNA members need to be aware of this agree- As UNA members will know, some nurses with- ment, and should make applications on the un- out degrees are highly qualified to hold such jobs derstanding that regardless of what a posting says because of their long experience and high skill level. a nurse who feels she has appropriate skills and experience to apply for a job is entitled to do so and As a result, UNA filed a grievance that argued to be considered for the position. treatment of nurses throughout AHS must be consistent. UNA members who are denied the right to apply for any nursing job on the grounds they do not have This principle was established in a 1989 arbi- a bachelor’s degree or who believe their qualifica- tration of a dispute between UNA and the Holy tions were not properly considered for this reason Cross Hospital in Calgary in which a Registered should contact their UNA Labor Relations Officer Nurse with a diploma and strong recommendations immediately.

July 2012 Volume 36, Number 3 19 UNA Provincial

North District Negotiating Committee Diane Plowman Local 30 (Peace River Community Health Centre/Sutherland Place) representatives Sheila Dorscheid

Representatives Local 37 (Queen Elizabeth II Hospital - Grande Prairie)

Linda Selnes Local 52 (Grimshaw Health Centre) 2013 Alyssa McDonald NEGS Alternates Local 63 (Grande Cache Health Centre)

North Central District Alan Besecker South Central District Local 302N (Cross Cancer Institute) Claire Galoska Heidi Gould Local 95 (Alberta Children’s Hospital - Calgary) Representatives Local 229 (Fort McMurray Community) Diane Lantz

Representatives Local 1 (Peter Lougheed Centre) Chandra Clarke Local 79 (Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre & Marie Aitken Grey Nuns Community Hospital) Local 228 (Claresholm Centre for Mental Health and Addictions) Alternates Loretta Hughes-Macey Leslie Perry Alternates Local 196 (Capital Health Community) Local 119 (Canmore General Hospital)

Central District South District Gail Pederson Steven Johnson Local 38 (Wainwright Health Centre/Hardisty Health Centre) Local 120 (Lethbridge Health Centre) Anna-Marie Nicol Colleen Adams Representatives Local 12 (Bethany-Camrose/Bethany Meadows) Representatives Local 160 (Cardston Health Centre)

Karen Nagribianko Malcolm Weisgerber Local 222 (Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury) Local 82 (Fort MacLeod Health Centre) Stacey Clark Alternate Alternates Local 126 (Palliser Community) Publications Mail Agreement #40064422 Publications Mail